Merle W. Howsden, age 84, former Wellington resident, passed away Monday morning, May 7, 2012, at Riverview Manor in Oxford, KS. Merle was a retired Chef.

Merle W. Howsden was born on August 8, 1927 in Alma, NE to Arthur C. Howsden and Erma (Kersey) Howsden.

On May 27, 1958 he married Mary A. Knox at the First United Methodist Church Chapel in Wellington, KS. She preceded him in death on December 9, 2010.

He enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren and attending their sporting events.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Mary A. Howsden; two brothers, Melvin and Richard Howsden; and two sisters, Patricia and Mary Ellen Howsden.

Survivors include his three children, Arthur Howsden of Wellington, KS, Tonya LaValley and her husband Mike of East Hampton, MA, and Terri Selvidge of Oxford, KS; three brothers, Jerry Howsden & his wife Ruth, Joy Howsden and his wife Fran, and Donald Howsden and his wife Ann; one sister, Judy Howsden; five grandchildren, Tricia Watkins of Kelseyville, CA, Michael LaValley, Shawna Parent, Erica Parent, and Zach Parent all of Wellington, KS; one great grandchild, Makayla LaValley of Phoenix, AZ.

There will be no visitation as cremation has taken place.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, May 16, 2012 at 11:00 A.M. at Prairie Lawn Cemetery. Gary Bodine, Minister at the Wellington Church of Christ, will officiate.

A memorial has been established with Riverview Manor in Oxford, KS in lieu of flowers. Contributions can be left at the funeral home.

Frank Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.